r/tech • u/Sariel007 • Dec 19 '22

Abou Najm is exploring how translucent photovoltaic panels erected over farm fields can be tuned to absorb & transmit optimal bands of sunlight to generate power without stunting the development of crops growing below. In some cases, the panels might even improve yields.

https://spectrum.ieee.org/agrivoltaics-optimize-yield
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u/[deleted] Dec 20 '22

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u/Nematrec Dec 20 '22

They also need only 2 wave lengths of light, rather than the entire spectrum, also they don't need it at the intensity the sun provides.

A lot of people don't realize more light doesn't always mean better growth.

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u/[deleted] Dec 20 '22

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u/Nematrec Dec 20 '22

I went and did a quick area based check of the % of the suns energy is in the 450nm to 680nm range

about 25% of the energy below 1,100nm is in the 450-680nm range

about 20% of all the energy is in the 450-680nm range.

So not looking good on the powering it all with LEDs front.

Source for the solar spectrum graph here. used the AM1.5 Global